Electronics and electrical industries

GEC Plessey restructuring seems to be on track

Article Abstract:

GEC Plessey Semiconductors (GPS) is becoming a more aggressive competitor, while concentrating its efforts on microprocessors for multimedia and telecommunications. GPS reported revenues of $300 million in FY 1995 and anticipates revenues of $420 million in FY 1996, a revenue increase of 25%. However, the anticipated revenue for 1996 remains below 1995's industry growth rate. GPS processed on schedule the first 8-in silicon wafers in its newly expanded facility in Plymouth, England, in early Dec 1995. Plymouth's production line is one of the first to use 'mini-environment' and 'standard mechanical interface' designs to provide flexibility for maintenance and equipment installation and diminish power costs and floor space. GPS will expand a wafer fabrication plant in Swindon and will consolidate two manufacturing sites in Lincoln by Apr 1996. GPS plans on spending 20% of its revenues on research and development.

Redesigning Mentor Graphics

Article Abstract:

Mentor Graphics Pres and CEO Walden C. Rhines' days at the helm may be numbered as the company's sales of older products decline faster than the income grows from new products. Rhines understands the company's technologies, but board members and shareholders are growing impatient with his execution and business focus. Rhines recently reorganized the top management of the company for the second time in 1997. He also hired VLSI Technology's Bernd Braune to head Mentor Graphics' Microtec, Meta Advanced Simulation and Inventra divisions. Rhines hired VLSI Technology's Gregory K. Hinckley as executive VP, CFO and COO earlier in 1997. Hinckley is now in charge of operations and Rhines is responsible for product development, strategy and vision. Rhines hopes to base the company's recovery on system verification and intellectual property cores.

AT&T micro targets systems solutions

Article Abstract:

AT&T Microelectronics division seems well positioned to continue growing, particularly with its leading edge technology and application solution focus. The division will account for 12% of the $20 billion revenues for the parent company. The division has a varied portfolio of businesses, spanning from power systems and printed circuit boards to semiconductors. One of the division's strengths is its association with Bell Laboratories, which provides it with core technologies. The application focus will be on consumer products, personal computer multimedia, wireless and network communications. Half of AT&T Microelectronic's revenues derive from the semiconductor portion of its business. The Systems and Technology Group is the US leader in backplane, and the world leader in telecommunications and fiberoptics.